Newsroom

With New York state facing the biggest budget crisis in a generation, Senate Democrats will convene a series of local forums around the state to get input and advice from officials, institutions and organizations whose interests are at stake.

Forums will focus on the key budget areas of health, education, higher education, and social services, and will include public input on proposals for budget savings submitted by Governor Paterson and budget priorities for the coming year.

We have already made known our objections to the Senate Investigations Committee's current proceedings. As I have said before, enough is enough. It is time to get back to the people's business, including such important measures as property tax relief, paid family leave and efforts to promote job growth.Nonetheless, there are some disturbing questions that need to be answered.

Conference seeks input from local groups and institutions in key spending areas

(New York, NY) With New York State facing the biggest budget crisis in a generation, State Senate Democrats will convene a series of local forums around the state to get input and advice from officials, institutions, and organizations whose interests are at stake.

State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith will join local community group, Equinox Inc. in distributing thanksgiving dinners to families in need. The 39th Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner, which began as a feast to serve 200 people will feed over 8,000 elderly, homeless, and disabled individuals with the help of various local partnerships.

(New York, NY)- On Wednesday, November 19th, Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith will travel to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress to discuss the new economic stimulus package. Accompanying Smith will be State Senator Jose Serrano, Federal Liaison to the Senate Democratic Conference. Smith and Serrano also plan to join Governor Paterson and Assembly Speaker Silver for select meetings throughout the day.

(New York, NY) - Following the historic victory in which Democrats regained control of the New York State Senate for the first time in over 40 years, Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith today announced his Transition Team. Angelo Aponte and Fran Weissberg will serve as Co-Chairs of the Transition Team. James Eagan will serve as Vice Chair and Upstate Advisor; and Hank Sheinkopf will serve as Director of Communications.

"The latest Siena Poll reveals what we have known for a while: New York families are hurting, especially middle-income families, and are looking to their elected representatives to provide relief.Voters overwhelmingly want us to hold the line on new taxes and to cut wasteful spending -- the cornerstones of Senate Democratic Conference agenda. Last year, we introduced a package of economic reforms that would create and protect jobs through smart economic development,cut taxes and reduce the growth of property taxes.

On behalf of the Senate Democratic Conference, I wish to express my appreciation for the opportunity to participate in this second Quick Start Conference, which hold the promise of an on-time 2009-10 State budget. The Budget Reform Act enacted in 2007 was crafted to help create a process that is more transparent and which further the chances of an on-time budget. We certainly support these goals.

"Today, Governor Paterson took the courageous first step of reducing spending and addressing the budget gap. We are facing tough economic times and Governor Paterson's approach is a prudent way to help New York State regain fiscal solvency. The Senate Democratic Conference supports his efforts and asks for the support and unity of all New Yorkers as we make the difficult decisions necessary to get New York working again. The Senate Democratic Conference is considering a number of proposals to help meet our financial challenges.

"Today is a somber day for all Americans, as we pay homage to the men and women whose dedicated service to our nation has enabled generations of Americans to live in freedom. There is no greater service, no greater sacrifice than those our Veterans have made throughout American history. Their bravery and their patriotism mark them as our best citizens.

"Today, District Attorney Richard Brown and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced the arrests of 34 individuals who are purportedly members of the Bloods street gang in Far Rockaway. Their arrest on gun and narcotics charges is an important development in making our streets safer for all law-abiding citizens."

"The hardworking people of this community and their families deserve to live in crime-free neighborhoods. This sends a message that gang violence will not be tolerated."

(New York, NY)- Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith today called on the City and State pension funds to take action to preserve hundreds of thousands of jobs and protect New York’s standing as the financial capitol of the world. Stock market manipulators who are attacking the shares of Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs must be prevented from taking advantage of the extraordinary challenges facing New York’s financial markets.

"I am urging Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to join us in taking immediate action to protect New York’s place as the world’s financial capital. We must convene an emergency session of the New York State Senate to protect the hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been put at risk by the extraordinary challenges facing New York’s financial markets.

State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith will be joined by New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn and community leaders to unveil plans for the construction project scheduled to begin this week. The project is expected to be completed by December 2010. The construction is among several that has taken place throughout the borough to improve New York's roadways and will include pavement enhancement, as well as, painting and bridge deck replacement for almost a dozen local bridges.

(BUFFALO, NY) –Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) joined prominent labor leaders in Western New York in an informal discussion about pressing concerns of the labor community on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

"This Monday marks the 126th anniversary when scores of craftsmen and laborers paraded in New York City to show strength in support of ideals such as the abolishment of child labor, an eight hour work day, equal pay for women and a progressive income tax system. Many of these challenges were met and we celebrate these accomplishments the first Monday in September; but New York's working class again faces great obstacles.

Find Malcolm A. Smith Online

Featured Video

Share This:

District Map

Get Involved

Thank you to all of those who participated in the New York State Senate's fist ever online Town Hall. Since we're always striving to serve the people of New York better, and this was our first attempt at an event like this, we would appreciate your feedback on how we can improve the experience.